Injured driver in fatal crash that killed a Three Rivers man facing charges

Two former South Bend residents hurt in two-car wreck

Two former South Bend residents hurt in two-car wreck

December 21, 2007|By CAROL DRAEGER Tribune Staff Writer

The 20-year-old driver in a fatal car crash that killed a Three Rivers man faces negligent homicide charges, authorities said Friday. Bridgette Lutz, of Battle Creek, is still recuperating from her injuries in the Oct. 27 crash that killed David Green, 64, and injured three others.

Prosecutors in Branch County issued a warrant on Wednesday outlining the charges against Lutz, said Branch County Undersheriff Keith Eichler.

The charges say Lutz was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee that crossed the center line on Michigan 60 near Coldwater about 5:41 p.m., said Eichler.

The charges do not specify why Lutz, who was eastbound on M-60, veered into GreenÂ?s Buick Lucerne head-on, he said.

Two passengers in GreenÂ?s car, Brenda and Patrick OÂ?Connell, both 30, of St. Louis, were also injured.

The OÂ?Connells were South Bend residents until recently. Patrick OÂ?Connell is a former reporter for the South Bend Tribune.

The OÂ?Connells have been released from a Kalamazoo hospital and are recuperating in rehabilitation centers near Chicago.

A passenger in LutzÂ?s vehicle, Tegan McJilton, of Bedford, was also treated for injuries at the time of the crash.

Eichler said Lutz is in a rehabilitation center in Grand Rapids.

A court date will be set after her arraignment in Branch County District Court.